(A) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following words, terms, phrases and derivations shall have the meanings given herein.
HELMET.
A bicycle
HELMET
that is properly fitted and is securely fastened upon the rider's head by a strap. Such
HELMET
must meet or exceed the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 Bicycle Helmet Standards), the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation (1984 Standards for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling), or any other nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets adopted by the United States Department of Transportation.
MOTORIZED SCOOTER. Any vehicle or micro mobility device that is powered by a motor, with or without a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, which is designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and which is not capable of propelling the vehicle at speeds greater than twenty (20) miles per hour on level ground, or as otherwise may be defined in F.S. § 316.003(48). The term does not include an electric bicycle, the term does not include mopeds and any other two or three-wheeled, self-propelled vehicle for which state law does not require proof of financial responsibility.
(B) Regulations.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motorized scooter in violation of any of the requirements set forth below. Motorized scooters:
(a) May not be operated on sidewalks within the city, nor on parking lots or areas open to the public designated for parking which are maintained by the city;
(b) May not be operated in public parks within the city, unless such use is specifically permitted by signage posted in that particular park;
(c) Must be operated and used by one person only at any one time; and passengers are not allowed on motorized scooters;
(d) May not tow any person, object or vehicle of any kind;
(e) May only be operated during daylight hours within the city;
(f) Shall be operated as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when preparing to make a left turn at a intersection or into a private road or driveway, at which time the motorized scooter operator shall obey all authorized traffic control devices, markings, and signs;
(g) Must be operated only in a single file formation, and not be operated abreast of each other;
(h) Must be operated at all times with both of the operator's hands on the scooter's handlebars;
(i) May not be operated unless the operator, at all times, is wearing a helmet, securely fastened;
(j) Must be equipped with a working brake or brakes capable of stopping the motorized scooter within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement;
(k) May not be operated on city streets or other permitted public areas within the city, with a motor, exhaust system or any other noise-abatement device or part which is modified in such a manner that the noise emitted by the motor is above that emitted by the vehicles as originally manufactured; and
(1) Must be operated at all times in accordance with all authorized traffic control devices and traffic laws.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any parent or guardian of children under 18 years of age who operate motorized scooters to knowingly permit any such child to violate any provision of this chapter.
(3) (a) It shall be unlawful to deposit or otherwise leave or abandon any motorized scooter upon any city property, street, sidewalk or right-of-way. Any such motorized scooter found unattended and left or deposited upon any such city property may be retrieved by the city and disposed of as abandoned property.
(b) It shall be unlawful to deposit or otherwise leave unattended, or abandon any motorized scooter upon any private property without the authorization of the owner of, or person lawfully in charge of, such private property.
(C) Penalties.
(1) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall commit a civil infraction and be subject to a $35 fine for each offense, payable to the city within 14 days of the violation.
(2) Any violation not paid within 14 days of the issuance thereof shall be assessed an additional $10 fee.
(3) Any person may elect to appear in Broward County Court to contest any such violation.
(4) In addition, the city may commence a prosecution in Broward County Court for any such violation that remains unpaid for more than 30 days.
(5) Following a hearing, a County Court Judge shall determine whether a violation has been committed, and shall impose a civil penalty not to exceed $100 plus costs.
(Ord. 2003-66, passed 9-9-03; Am. Ord. 2022-33, passed 3-8-22)